The Sicilian Tithe Business: State and Merchants in the Eleventh-Century Islamic Mediterranean

In the mid-eleventh century, Sicilian authorities levied »Sicilian tithe«, a customs duty hitting foreign merchants. The imposition of this tax put in motion long chain events that would be lost to us were it not for exceptional evidence Cairo Geniza. This article focuses on handful Geniza commercial letters and legal queries Judeo-Arabic chronicle unfolding tithe business, from initial attempt by group merchants evade it, through harsh reaction state authorities, eventual abolition merchant lobbying at Fatimid court Egypt. surrounding only shed light chapter history Islamic Sicily; they also offer fresh insights into much broader question relationship between Mediterranean Central Middle Ages. Addressing theme, will advance three interrelated claims. First, argue administrators adopted what we might call protectionist fiscal policy with aim maximizing revenues while same time supporting domestic class. Second, show accomplish goal categorized basis administrative procedures largely detached complex shifting forms identity themselves adopted. Third, state’s calculus clashed against trans-territorial character contemporary consortiums, highlighting fundamental misalignment tributary logic animated officials capitalist